TH243 Heaven and Hell   (3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: TH201. Are heaven and hell real or merely symbolic? What is the ultimate fulfillment of heaven, and how is it related to fulfillment here and now? What is the eternal loss and misery of hell, and how is it compatible with God's infinite mercy? Analyzes human destiny in light of our own task of character formation. Special attention paid to creation and original sin, the offer of salvation, the interplay of grace and freedom. Also treats Church teaching on purgatory as well as theological speculations about 'limbo'. IC